TEANECK, N.J.— The LIU Brooklyn baseball team used eight runs over the final three innings to storm back and defeat FDU, 13-8 on Saturday afternoon. The Blackbirds earned the series victory over the Knights at Naimoli Family Baseball Complex and have earned back-to-back Northeast conference weekend series wins.

LIU's offense erupted for 12 hits in the weekend finale with six coming in the final three innings of play. Sophomore Colin Adams had a monster game for the Blackbirds, going 3-for-5 with a career-high five runs batted in. Adams finished a triple shy of the cycle, recording a two-RBI double and two-run home run and RBI single to cap the team's scoring. Senior Luiny Monegro added a pair of hits and four runs batted in.

Seniors Joe Mercadante and Andrew Smith also contributed multi-hit games for LIU. Senior Edward Modica Jr. added two runs batted in. Both Modica and Smith recorded three runs scored in the finale.

The Blackbirds struck in the top of the first on a RBI single from senior Brock Hallum in the top half of the first inning to drive in senior Mercadante from second base.

FDU was quick to answer, striking in the next half inning on a two-out RBI single to tie the game up at 1-1.

LIU jumped ahead in the top of the second inning as Adams cleared the bases with a one-out double to left center. The Blackbirds picked up another extra base hit in the top of the third inning as Monegro lined a two-RBI double to left center to push the lead to 5-1.

FDU would add a run in the bottom of the third before a three-run fourth inning tied the game up. The Knights then claimed the 6-5 lead in the sixth inning off a RBI single.

Smith opened up the seventh inning with a single through the left side for the Blackbirds. Modica went first pitch swinging in the next at bat, lifting an RBI double to left center field to tie the game up.  He later advanced to third on a balk by FDU. Monegro continued the inning with one-out RBI triple to right field to drive in Modica for the go-ahead run. Adams then lifted a 1-0 pitch over the left field fence for his third home run of the season to give the Blackbirds the 9-6 lead.

The Knights didn't go down quietly, plating two runs in the bottom half of the seventh inning to cut the lead back down to one.

LIU worked patience at the plate in the top half of the eighth inning using a hit by pitch and pair of walks to load the bases. Mercadante worked a six pitch at bat for the RBI walk to push the lead back to two runs at 10-8.

The Blackbirds showcased plate discipline again in the top of the ninth with a pair of walks to start the inning. After a pick-off play, FDU intentionally walked senior Alex Briggs to put runners on first and second. A single by Smith loaded the bases once again for LIU. Modica came through with the RBI walk in the next at bat to add to the lead. Monegro then followed up with the team's 14th walk of the ballgame for the RBI. Adams capped the scoring for LIU with a RBI single up the middle to close the inning.

Senior Mike Kreiger worked a one-two-three ninth inning with a pair of strikeouts to seal the 13-8 ballgame.

Junior Jackson Svete went the opening three and two thirds innings for the Blackbirds. Junior Patrick Clyne added a scoreless inning and a third of relief right after. Junior Rob Griswold then pitched the next three innings, yielding just two earned runs before handing the ball off to Kreiger. Griswold notched his third victory of the season with his three strong innings of relief for LIU.

UP NEXT

The Blackbirds return to downtown Brooklyn on Tuesday, April 23 for a 3:00 p.m. matchup against Siena College.